Italy's first capital city sits beneath the Alps, with Baroque palaces and grand squares. Home to Fiat, car museums, and the Palazzo Reale's art collection. Elegant streets and riverside dining await.
Turin, the capital of Italy's Piedmont region, is known for its Baroque buildings, museums, and food culture. You can climb the Mole Antonelliana tower, stroll through the Parco del Valentino along the Po River, or visit the Egyptian Museum. The city has played important roles in Italian history, cinema, and the automotive industry, giving it a unique cultural atmosphere.
Exploring Turin's Historic Center
Turin's historic center spreads out from Piazza Castello, where you'll find the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama. As you walk through the city, you'll notice the grid layout and long stretches of covered arcades, which protect you from rain or sun. The Porta Palatina, an ancient Roman gate, still stands as a reminder of the city's past. Walk down Via Roma, with its high-end shops, to reach Piazza San Carlo, a large square often called Turin's "living room."
Museums in Turin
The Egyptian Museum in Turin has one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. You can examine ancient sarcophagi, statues, and papyri. For a different experience, visit the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Museum of Cinema. The building's distinctive spire has become a symbol of Turin. Take the glass elevator to the viewing platform to see the city and the Alps in the distance.
Turin's Food Scene
Turin has many local food specialties. Start your day with a bicerin, a layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream, at one of the city's old cafes. For lunch, try agnolotti, a local stuffed pasta, or tajarin, thin egg noodles often served with truffles. In the evening, join in the aperitivo tradition - have a drink with complimentary snacks at bars across the city. Before you leave, taste gianduiotto, a chocolate with hazelnut that originated in Turin.
Parks and Open Spaces
Turin has many parks and open areas. The Parco del Valentino, which runs along the Po River, is good for walking or cycling. Inside the park, you'll find the Borgo Medievale, a reconstructed medieval village that shows what life was like centuries ago. For a wider view of the city, take the rack railway or walk up to the Basilica of Superga, which sits on a hill above Turin.
Automotive History in Turin
Turin has a long history with the automotive industry, especially FIAT. You can learn about this at the National Automobile Museum, which has over 200 vehicles from different time periods. The museum shows cars and explains how the automobile changed Turin and Italy. For a hands-on experience, you can book a tour of the old Lingotto factory, which includes a visit to its rooftop test track.
